Study the Torah with Academic Scholarship

By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use

Omens

Commentaries Were Written as Soon as Ancient Texts Were Composed

The creative exegetical methods of reading texts both literally and non-literally are not limited to the interpretation of the Bible. Commentaries on ancient cuneiform literature from Mesopotamia have been found dating all the way back to the end of the 8th century B.C.E.

Dr.

Uri Gabbay

,

,

It’s About Masculinity, Not Homosexuality

Homosexuality is a modern construct, and using it to interpret the very few biblical and ancient Near Eastern texts that speak of male-to-male sexual interaction would be anachronistic. Masculinity and the male role in society provide a better lens to examine male relationships.

Prof.

Martti Nissinen

,

,

Are Torah Rituals Just Literary Compositions? A Comparison with Namburbis

Both namburbi anti-omen rituals (1st millennium B.C.E.) and priestly Torah rituals were preserved in collections in multiple versions that show evidence of intertextuality and innovation. Were these rituals meant to be performed?

Prof.

William Morrow

,

,

Moses’ Apotropaic Intercession

Moses’ use of rhetoric to convince YHWH to undo his decree against Israel recasts a namburbu-like ritual intercession in a prophetic hue.

Dr.

Marian Broida

,

,

No items found.